Men Engage Africa member countries converged in Madagascar from the 24th – 25th April 2024 to collectively reflect on their work using gender transformative approaches and working with men and boy for gender equality. Apart from Receiving country updates, sessions were also aimed at discussing accountability and issues of compliance, networking and learning opportunities between country representatives. This annual general meeting was an opportunity to strengthen efforts and promote a positive African spirit towards attaining gender justice for people in all their diversities.
Prior to the AGM, the youth and main steering committee meetings were held concurrently from the 22nd -23rd of April. The youth steering committee was a space for youths to appraise the work of MenEngage Africa from a meaningful and inclusive youth perspective, the progress and recommendations to the general assembly. The main steering committee deliberated on issues of compliance and accountability within the network and way forward to work together and observe the compliance requirements.
Speaking to the general assembly, MenEngage Africa Steering Committee chairperson Sithembile Gumede in a word of welcome remarked that “to achieve true gender equality, we must engage men and boys by involving them to amplify the impact of our efforts. Together, we can create an environment where women’s and girls’ rights are not just acknowledged but actively championed. welcome to this transformative journey. Let us make history together! ”
Bafana Khumalo , Co-Executive Director of Sonke Gender Justice on behalf of the MenEngage Africa Secretariat, urged all members to work towards rediscovering the African dream.
“The dream of Africa that we all aspire for, as MenEngage Africa, we look at breaking down the patriarchy, misogyny and hate . We need to be continuously vigilant in our endeavours to leave no one behind, because all rights are the same and all rights must be respected. We as MenEngage Africa can explore all the opportunities that support this vision to advance the course of Sustainable Development Goals. The African Union Agenda 2063 should also be the beacon of our work. AU has the campaign of ending child marriage and advance the course of ending harmful practices like FGM. HIV/AIDs is also on the rise. We need to take all these issues in our work and advance the course of gender transformation.’’
During the Annual General Meeting , the youth presented the following approaches on how the general assembly can promote meaningful and inclusive youth participation and leadership within MenEngage Africa:
- Empowerment: Provide platforms and resources for young people to lead initiatives, participate in decision-making processes, and implement solutions to global challenges.
- Education: Offer comprehensive education that includes leadership skills, critical thinking, and civic engagement from an early age.
- Mentorship: Pair young leaders with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities.
- Inclusion: Ensure diversity and inclusion in leadership spaces to amplify the voices of marginalized youth and address their specific concerns.
- Investment: Allocate funding and resources to youth-led projects and organizations that aim to make positive social, economic, and environmental impacts.
- Recognition: Recognize and celebrate the achievements of young leaders to inspire others and reinforce the value of youth participation in leadership roles.
- By implementing these measures, we can harness the urgency of youth leadership to create a more sustainable and equitable future.
By the end of the Annual general meeting, members committed to reinforcing the respect for accountability principles and compliance within the network, reducing reliance of the secretariat by engaging in fundraising at country-level, ensuring the meaningful inclusion of young people as well as networking and learning from one another to increase efforts on working with men and boys for gender equality.